IPRA is very concerned over the proposal for structural separation in retail forecourts per section 22 of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015. We believe this is is anti competitive and will drive business to the Off Licences and the Large Multiples and will put small retailers offering alcohol out of business.

The proposed separation of the alcohol offering by a 7ft wall is not viable and will severely reduce available floor space in many retail garages where retail space is at a premium.

IPRA members are not against segregating the alcohol offering, but the structural separation is a step too far and is clearly anti-competitive and puts small, independent retailers at clear disadvantage to the larger retailers and off licences/supermarkets.

When the Law was introduced requiring retailers to place cigarettes out of sight, every business big or small had to comply – the requirement did not give an advantage to one retailer at the expense of another.

We would respectfully suggest a preferred option and possible solution is to have a clearly delineated alcohol area which can be accessed by a barrier/turnstile to make a clear obstacle for patrons – this is the solution that works in Northern Ireland (see photo above).

We have written today to all Members of the Health Committee and Dail Members.

The IPRA is pleased to announce that it is now part of the Low Emissions Vehicles (LEV) Taskforce which has been jointly convened by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment to consider the range of measures and options available to Government for the purpose of accelerating the deployment of low carbon technologies, with a large focus on electric vehicles.

As a stakeholder on the LEV Taskforce the IPRA will be involved consultations and events with the Departments and this is our opportunity to raise any issues our members or the press may have regarding electric charge points, the potential phasing out of petrol and diesel (including the excise duty that is collected on this and replacement plans for this value) and how this will work for the Irish economy as a whole.

The IPRA is not against EV’s – we understand all businesses need to move with the times – however, we do want proper planning and consideration to be put into this process.

The next formal stakeholder consultation will be held on Friday 24th November and we would welcome all suggestions, concerns and comments from our members for us to voice at the table on the day.

David Blevings, IPRA spokesperson said, “Global oil prices have been moving upwards slowly over the past three months due to various events around the globe. Oil is a globally traded product and traders have been cautious recently as there is rising expectation that OPEC and Russia may agree an extension to the oil production cuts which were agreed in November 2016. Any production cuts will reduce supply and push prices higher.

We have also seen the euro move lower and the weaker euro affects oil prices here as all oil products are priced in dollars. Brent Crude topped $60 a barrel for the first time since 2015 following the news that the Catalan Parliament had declared independence from Spain.

Uncertainty and instability are not good news for oil markets and prices have risen due to concerns over the stability of the market. Looking forward we do not expect any further large increase in retail prices. Forecasts remain that crude oil will remain in the $40 – $60 range that should mean relative stability for the short to medium term for local consumers”.

The Irish Petrol Retailers Association (IPRA) has welcomed the Finance Ministers decision to hold fuel excise rates at their current level. The IPRA started a petition against an alleged proposed to increase diesel duty to the same rate as petrol and in just four weeks has received over 8,000 signatures from consumers.

David Blevings, Media Spokesperson for the IPRA said, “Our retail members had serious concerns that a further increase in duty would severely hamper the economic recovery. We wrote to the Finance Minister urging caution in this matter and we suggested that the excise rates should not be equalled as it would be detrimental for the Irish economy, rural transport and non-city dwellers alike.

We are delighted with the news that excise levels are to remain at current levels and this coupled with relatively stable oil prices is good news for both consumers and retailers alike.

This excise freeze will further aid the recovery and will be welcomed by all”, added David.